Apparatus for applying a flowable medium to a carrier

ABSTRACT

A flowable medium is to be supplied to an exposed surface of a carrier, for instance a web which is to be printed. A supply arrangement supplies the flowable medium to the vicinity of the exposed surface and an applicator arrangement is provided for applying it to the exposed surface. The applicator includes a hollow spreading element of elastically distendable material which engages either the exposed surface directly, or engages a portion of the applicator arrangement which is operatively associated with the exposed surface, and admitting means is provided for admitting requisite quantities of pressurized fluid to the interior of the hollow spreading element whereby to distend the latter to various extents and thus vary its engaging pressure.

[451 May 29,1973

[ APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A FLOWABLE MEDIUM TO A CARRIER [75] Inventor:Matthias Mitter, Senne, Germany [73] Assignee: Mitter & Co., SchlossI-Iolte, Germany [22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. N0.: 99,771

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 22, 1969 Germany ..P 19 64182.8

[52] US. Cl. ..118/205, 118/213, 101/119, 101/120, 68/200 [51] Int. Cl...B05c l/00, B4lj 13/00, B4lf 15/42 [58] Field of Search 18/21 3, 205;101/116, 119, 120; 68/200 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS3,638,459 2/1972 Zinimer ..68/200 2,419,695 4/1947 Shuttleworth et a1...lOl/l 19 3,198,109 8/1965 3,605,616 9/1971 3,566,784 3/1971 3,592,1327/1971 2,511,511 6/1950 1,675,442 7/1928 2,056,273 10/1936 Holdsworth..118/213 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS White ..lOl/120X 266,02411/1968 Austria ..101/120 467,160 2/1969 Switzerland ..101/120 OTHERPUBLICATIONS 1,267,231 5/1968 German Application (Weber) PrimaryExaminer-James Kee Chi Att0rney--Michael S. Striker [5 7 ABSTRACT Aflowable medium is to be supplied to an exposed surface of a carrier,for instance a web which is to be printed. A supply arrangement suppliesthe fiowable medium to the vicinity of the exposed surface and anapplicatorarrangement is provided for applying it to the exposedsurface. The applicator includes a hollow spreading element ofelastically distendable material which engages either the exposedsurface directly, or engages a portion of the applicator arrangementwhich is operatively associated with the exposed surface, and admittingmeans is provided for admitting requisite quantities of pressurizedfluid to the interior of the hollow spreading element whereby to distendthe latter to various extents and thus vary its engaging pressure.

20 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PHEJSUKE FL Ulli SOURCE PATENTE'D EH29I375 SHEET 2 0? 6 Inventor: 47?

PATENTEL HAY 2 91875 SHEET 3 [1F 6 ATTH /Y g Arr-rm PATENTEL W29 I975SHEET 5 [IF 6 Inventor: MATTH ,4 g j! #753 y PATENTELLLRYZSIQB 3,735,730

SHEET 6 [1F 5 Inventor: AATTHIAQ fliffgfl r VMOM/ M Ma APPARATUS FORAPPLYING A FLOWABLE MEDIUM TO A CARRIER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONApparatus of this type finds a wide range of different applications andit is to be understood that the invention is applicable to apparatussuitable for this purpose, irrespective of the particular application towhich the apparatus is put. However, purely by way of example it ispointed out that such apparatus may for instance be in the form ofrotary printing machines, litho printing machines or the like, and thatthe flowable media to be applied may include printers ink, ink or paintin general, adhesives or various coating materials.

From the printing art, for instance, it is known to provide rotaryprinting presses with rotating foil drums which cooperate with spreadingelements serving to spread the supplied flowable medium onto an exposedsurface of a carrier adjacent the drum. The spreading elements are rigidand have spreading edges which are usually formed by grinding. Thespreading element is arranged with reference to the surface on which theflowable medium is to be spread, in a predetermined orientation, and thespreading edge is ground so as to be inclined at a specific angle to thesurface when the spreading element is so oriented. For different typesof flowable medium, and also for different densities and the like of theflowable medium, spreading elements with differently ground spreadingedges are required, and also it is usually necessary that the spreadingelements themselves have various different hardnesses.

The prior art presents a problem in that for instance in the applicationof'printers ink it is never clear from the beginning how strongly theink is to be applied and therefore precisely whichof various differentspreading elements is to be employed. This becomes clear only after thefirst several yards of material have been printed, at which time adetermination can be correctly made which particular spreading elementto use. Of course, if by chance the proper spreading element has beenemployed to begin with, then there is no problem;

- however, if the spreading element is not suitable because it spreadstoo little or too much printer's ink, for instance, then it is necessaryto stop the printing press, remove the spreading element in it andinstall'a different suitable spreading element. This is not onlydisadvantageous in terms of time lost, but also in terms of materiallost, it being evident that the initially printed material will bewasted and that further losses accrue for instance from the loss ofprinters ink during the down-time of the machine.

The known spreading elements are possessed of additional advantages.Thus, they are secured at their opposite longitudinally spaced ends andpressure which is applied to them in order to vary the degree ofpressure with which they engage the surface on which the flowable mediumis to be spread, is applied at these ends. Evidently, and keeping inmind that the spreading elements extend across the width of the printingmachine, that is the width of the material to be printed or otherwiseprovided with a flowable medium, it is clear that the broader themachine will be the longer will be the spreading element, and the morethe spreading element will have a tendency to bend in its center regionas a result of pressure applied to it at its opposite ends. This, ofcourse, results in the uneven spreading of the flowable medium onto theexposed surface of a carrier, such as the material to be printed, in thecenter region and in the end regions of the spreading element.Increasing the pressure at the ends will not remedy this conditionbecause the proportional difference of pressure in the center region andat the ends, that is pressure exerted by the spreading element upon thematerial on which the flowable medium is to be spread, will not vary asa result of such adjustments.

An attempt to overcome these problems is to be found in another conceptof the art, utilizing so-called magnet rollers as the spreading element.These are rollers of magnetic or magnetizable material which contact thesurface on which the flowable medium is to be spread, and whichcooperate with magnetizable or magnetic counter-elements located beneaththe material and which attract the roller with equal force over theentire length thereof against the exposed surface, whereby evenspreading of the flowable medium is obtained. The density of the layerof flowable medium which is applied can also be regulated, by regulatingthe magnetic field with a resultant change in the pressure with whichthe roller is attracted to the exposed surface.

However, in this prior-art approach there are also inherent'certaindisadvantages. In particular, the quantity of flowable medium which isapplied and spread is regulated by using rollers of different diameter.This necessitates that if before start-up of the machine a roller ofimproper diameter has been selected-a fact which will become evidentlyonly after the first few yards of material have been printed or coated,it is again necessary to stop the machine, remove the roller and installa roller of different and more suitable diameter. Evidently, this willthen bring with it the aforementioned disadvantages in terms ofdown-time and losses of material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, accordingly, an object of the presentinvention to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

More particularly it is an object of the invention to provide animproved apparatus for applying a flowable medium to a carrier, anapparatus which is not possessed of the disadvantages outlined above.

A concomitant object of the invention is to provide such an apparatuswhich is provided with a spreading element which not only will apply theflowable medium evenly at all points, but whose pressure upon theexposed surface and whose density of application of the flowable mediumcan be varied continuously during the operation of a machine providedwith it.

In pursuance of the above objects, and others which will become apparenthereafter, I provide in an apparatus for applying a flowable medium to acarrier, a combination which briefly stated comprises carrier meanshaving an exposed surface, and a'supply arrangement for supplying aflowable medium to the vicinity of this exposed surface. I furtherprovide applying means mounted proximal to the carrier means with atleast one of these means being mounted at least in part for travel withreference to the other. The applying means comprises an at leastpartially hollow spreading element of elastically distendable materialhaving a contact face proximal to the exposed surface for spreading theflowable medium on the latter. The applying means further comprisesdistending means which acts interiorly of the spreading element for thepurpose of distending the material of the same to a selectable extent,whereby to change the orientation and proximity of the contact face withreference to the exposed surface.

By resorting to my invention, there is provided an apparatus ofthe-character in question which is particularly suitable for use inmodern high-speed, highprecision machinery, especially but notexclusively in rotary printing presses. My invention makes it possibleto not only continuously vary the pressure with which the spreadingelement engages a surface with which it cooperates, but also tocontinuously vary its configuration and thereby the configuration of itscontact face which contacts a cooperating surface and spreads theflowable medium thereon. In this manner the depth of penetration on onthe one hand, and on the other hand the quantity of applied flowablemedium can becontinuously varied and an extremely fine regulation of the"application of the flowable medium is assured. As

pointed out before, this is particularly important in printing presses,including those which operate on the screen-printing principles, becausethe application in screen-printing presse depends on the one hand uponthe type of spreading element employed, on the other hand upon theviscosity of the flowable medium (in this case printer's ink) which isutilized, and finally upon the rate of permeability of the screenitself. In the known apparatuses these three factors must be coordinatedwith one another prior to beginning of the printing operation and can bevaried with reference to each other only within a very narrow range ofpossibilities. If one of the factors deviates substantially, the machinemust be stopped and the necessary adjustments must be made as byexchanging one spreading element for another in the manner and for thereasons outlined earlier.

All of these problems are overcome with the present invention whichpermits adjustments not only continuously but also during the operationof the machine provided with the invention.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theinvention itself, however, both as to its construction and method ofoperation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, willbe best understood from the following description of specificembodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a somewhat diagrammaticfragmentary endelevational view of an apparatus provided with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic side-elevational view, on an enlargedscale, of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary transverse sectional elevation through theapparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing one condition of adjustmentof theapparatus;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing a different condition ofadjustment of the same apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 showing still a thirdcondition of adjustment of the same apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary detail view illustrating a further embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating an additional embodimentof the invention;

F IG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating another embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing a further embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing a different embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but showing a modified embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment of the invention in a viewsimilar to FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows, in a somewhat simplified view analogous to FIG. 1 1, afurther embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing yet another embodiment ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Discussing now the drawing indetail, and firstly the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 thereof, itwill be seen that reference numeral 1 diagrammatically and fragmentarilyidentifies a support of an apparatus, for instance a frame, base or thelike. The support may be made adjustable so that it can be raised andlowered if desired. How this can be done is not new and those conversantwith this field will be aware of various possibilities. Mounted on thesupport 1 is a supply conduit 2 for a flowable medium, for instanceprinters ink. Journals 3 and 4 mount the supply conduit 2 and thedouble-headed arrows in FIG. 1 indicate that in known manner thearrangement may be such that the conduit 2 can be raised and loweredwith reference to the support 1. In fact, it is advantageous if theadjustment of the journals 3 and 4 can be carried out individually, sothat by operating only one of the journals, or operating the journals 3and 4 to different extents, the conduit 2 may be inclined axially if sodesired.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 I have illustrated a drum 5 which rotatesin the direction indicated by the arrowheads in FIGS. 3-5 (where thedrum 5 is shown diagrammatically and fragmentarily only). Such a drumwill usually be a film-printing drum of known construction, but detailsof the particular construction of the drum 5 are immaterial for anunderstanding of the invention.

The conduit 2 extends axially through the drum 5 which is mounted forrotation in known manner which is not separately illustrated. It isprovided with apertures 12 (compare FIGS. 3-5) which aredistributedevenly over its length, that is over that portion of theconduit 2 which is located within the confines of the drum 5. Thediagrammatically illustrated source of flowable medium (compare FIG. 1)can be connectedwith the interior of conduit 2 so as to supply flowablemedium to the latter from where it then escapes through the apertures 12into a chamber 7 which is bounded by a sheet material wall 6. The wall 6itself is also provided with apertures, identified with referencenumeral 16 in FIG. 3, through which the flowable medium leaves thechamber 7 to flow onto the inner side of the drum 5 and to there mergewith the quantity 8 which is already in position there. This assumes, ofcourse, that the press is already in operation. If the press is not inoperation, then the flowable medium escaping through the apertures 16will first form the supply 8 on the inner side as shown in FIG. 3. Themaximum build-up of the supply 8 is controlled in known manner by anelectrode 9 which is connected electrically also in known manner with anon-illustrated pump supplying the flowable medium from the source, and

U which de-activates the pump as soon as a circuit is completed inresponse to contact with the tip of the electrode with the supply 8. Ofcourse, other possibilities for controlling the level of the supply 8also exist, and it need not be the pump that is controlled but it couldbe a valve or the like.

' It will be appreciated that printers ink may constitute the flowablemedium, but any other kind of viscous pasty medium can be supplied, andthat in place of the rotary drum 5 a flat applying member-such as a flatscreen-may be utilized. In the latter case it may be possible todispense with the conduit 2 and to supply the flowable medium in anothersuitable manner, but then the spreading element according to theinvention, which will be discussed presently must be so mounted that itcan be moved with reference to the surface on which the flowable mediumis to be spread. In fact, it

is also possible to employ the spreading element according to thepresent invention without an intermediate applicator member, that iswithout the drum 5 or a flat screen or applicator in lieu of the drum 5.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, and especially in FIGS. 35,there is provided below an extending longitudinally of the conduit 2, asubstantially U- shaped holding element 10 which may consist of steel oranother suitable material and whose open side faces in directiondownwardly, namely towards the inner side of the drum 5 and therebytowards the exposed surface of the carrier 14 which is to be providedwith the flowable medium. For purposes of the discussion it shall beassumed that the carrier 14 here is a sheet-material web. The holdingelement 10 carries the actual spreading element according to the presentinvention which in-the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 consists essentially of ahose portion 11 which is embraced from the open side of the element 10by another substantially U- shaped member, a channel portion 13 whichembraces the hose portion 11. The hose portion 11 as well as the channelportion 13 are at least essentially composed of elastically distendablematerial, such as a suitable natural or synthetic elastomer which may bereinforced with a fabric or in another suitable manner.

The channel portion 13 is provided with a downwardly directed contactface 23 which is inclined with reference to the exposed surface of thecarrier 14 at an acute angle a. The carrier 14 is disposed on a printersblanket 15 which in turn is accommodated on a work table 17.

The hollow interior of the spreading element composed of the portionsand 13 is identified with reference numeral 18 and is in communicationwith a diagrammatically illustrated pressure fluid source (see FIG. 3)via one or more conduits 19 in which there is advantageously installed apressure-measuring instrument 20 so located that it can be observed byan operator.

Via the pressure fluid source and a suitable valve of which a regulatingcomponent 22 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the pressure in the interior18 can be regulated whereby in dependence upon the prevailing pressure,

the material of the portions 11 and 13 is outwardly distended throughdifferent extents, with a concomitant variation of the angle a. It ispreferable that the valve 22 be of a type-known to those skilled in theart-- which permits a continuous variation of the pressure in the space18 so that a continuous variation of the angle a becomes possible.

It is of course normally desirable to avoid the possibility that theportions 11 and 13 might become dislodged from the element 10 during theoperation of the apparatus, including distending of the portions 11 and13 to different extents. In order to counteract such danger it isadvantageous that a side wall portion of the portion 13 which trails oris located downstream with reference to the direction of movement of thedrum 5, be adhesively connected or otherwise suitably bonded to the arm10a of the element 10. The bonding is identitied at 21. On the otherhand, the other side wall portion of the portion 13 simply frictionallybut loosely abuts the inner side of the arm 10b so that it can move withreference to the same. The arm 10b extends closer towards the surface ofthe carrier 14 than the arm 10a and its lower marginal portion 10' isbent over upwardly and in downstream direction of movement of the drum5, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. The purpose is to permit flexing indownstream direction of the edge 33 formed at the juncture between thedownstream wall portion and the portion provided with the surface 23, ofthe portion 13.

It is emphasized that it is immaterial what particular pressure fluid isemployed for distending the inventive spreading element. Thus, air,steam, a liquid or any particular desired type of gas can be employed,but compressed air is advantageous in terms of economy.

As the pressure in the chamber 18 increases, and given the fact that theconduit 2 is fixed with the support 1 and that the drum 5 rotates in theindicated direction, the configuration of the spreading element willvary. This is evident from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4, with a stateof increased internal pressure being illustrated in the latter Figure.

It is clear that the greater the pressure in the space 18, the smallerwill become the angle a and the stronger will be the application offlowable medium. Also, the increased pressure in the space 18 with aconsequent flattening-out of the edge portion 33, causes the quantity ofmedium which is pressed through the apertures of the drum 5 to beincreased and thereby to increase the quantity of such flowable mediumwhich is applied to the carrier 14. Evidently, these factors can becontinuously varied by simply varying via the valve 22 the quantity ofpressure fluid which is admitted into the space 18, and thereby to varythe pressure in the latter, so that the results in terms of flowablemedium applied to the exposed surface of the carrier 14 can be preciselyaccommodated to any given requirement without having at any time toexchange or replace components of the apparatus.

Because of the possibility which is illustrated in FIG. 1 by thedouble-headed arrows, of adjusting the position of the conduit 2 upwardand downwardly, and thereby of the hollow spreading element which iscarried by it via the element 10, further variations in the action ofthe spreading element can be obtained. If the increased pressure isapplied as in FIG. 4, then the entire assembly of the components 2, 10,11 and 13 is raised by raising the conduit 2 in the manner suggestedwith reference to FIG. 1, then a larger angle a will be obtained asillustrated in FIG. 5, and the edge portion 33 will contact the innerside of the drum along a smaller surface, whereby much finerapplications of the flowable medium can be achieved. To obtain stillfiner applications the edge portion 33 may be exteriorly armored by anangle substantially L-shaped elongated element 25 as illustrated in FIG.6, with such element preferably consisting of sheet steel. This furtherresists deflection of the edge portion 33.

On the other hand it is also possible to provide an interior armoringelement of again substantially L-shaped configuration, identified withreference numeral 26 in FIG. 7. This immediately provides for a smallangle a and for a rather flat edge portion 3 so that the surface contactof the portion 33 with the inner side of the drum 5 is larger than forinstance in FIG. 3 even before internal pressure is applied. The element26 may be located in the interior of the hose portion 11 as shown, or itmay be located between the exterior of the hose portion 11 and theinterior of the channel portion 13.

Naturally, the cross-sectional configuration of the element may also bevaried from what has been illustrated. It is advantageous if the arm 10bis longer that the arm 10a, meaning that it extends closer towards theinner side of the drum 5 than the arm 10a, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5.The angling of the margin 10 of the arm 10b provides for an abutment ofthe edge portion 33 when the same is deflected by the rotating drum asillustrated in FIG. 4. Similarly, the configuration of the hose portion11 and/or that of the channel portion 13 may be varied.

In FIGS. 8-14 I have illustrated further embodiments of the invention.Here the hollow spreading element is preferably of substantiallyT-shaped cross-section and composed of two preferably but notnecessarily unitary portions one of which is identified with referencenumeral 53 and constitutes the crosspiece of the T, and the other ofwhich is hollow, relatively tall and of substantially or completelyacute-angular configuration. The portion is identified with referencenumeral 60 and is engaged by a holding element 50 which may have theillustrated shape and which in turn is connected with a bracket 58secured to the conduit 2, in FIG. 8 by means of the illustrated screwconnection. The portion 53 can be inserted endwise into an open end ofthe element 50 and can similarly be removed.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 I have illustrated the possibilityof using the present invention with a planar or flat applicator orscreen 5' instead of the drum 5. Of course, if as is possible theflowable medium is supplied in a manner other than via the conduit 2 sothat the latter is omitted, then the spreading element must be mountedon a carriage which is capable of traversing the applicator 5'. How thiscan be done is well known to those skilled in the art, for instancescrew spindles may be provided on which the carriage is mounted andwhich make it movable.

In FIGS. 8-12 I have illustrated a cross-sectional configuration of theapplicator element wherein the element is of substantially acute-angularoutline with a contact portion 52 which is outwardly curved and with atrailing wall portion 51 which is convex in upstream direction. Ofcourse, the cross-sectional configuration of the spreading elements inthese Figures can be varied, as can be that of the holding element 50 ineach embodiment. It is only essential that the spreading element bereliably connected with the element 50 and that the inner space to bepressurized, identified with reference numerals 54, S9 or 63-65 in theembodiments of FIGS. 8-12, be of relatively tall or high crosssection asshown.

Again, the pressure can be varied in these interior spaces whereby theangle a can be changed accordingly, this being accomplished in the samemanner as discussed with reference to the preceding embodiment, and asalso illustrated in FIG. 12 via the valve 22 and the pressure-indicatingdevice 20. The variation in the configuration of the spreading elementcan be made continuously in this manner.

It is clear that thus the purposes of the present invention are achievedwith these embodiments also. It is parenthetically pointed out that inFIG. 13 the configuration of the portion of the spreading element whichis provided with the internal space 64, is shown in broken lines as itwill be if it is retracted sufficiently so that it does not contact theapplicator element 5'. The fullline position will be assumed whencontact is made and relative movement occurs.

The pressure of the spreading element against the drum 5 or theapplicator element 5', but not its elasticity and stability, can bevaried in known manner by adjusting the spacing of the support-that isin most instances the conduit 2 carrying the spreading elementwithreference to the surface of the carrier 14 which has been omitted inseveral of the latter embodiments. This adjustment can also be madecontinuous.

When pressure is admitted into the interior spaces, the configuration incross-section of these interior spaces would tend to round out, ratherthan to keep its vertically elongated shape. To overcome this FIGS. 8 to11 show a reinforcing or supporting abutment 56 which may beconfigurated to be of triangular shape by adding a portion 57. Itextends downwardly towards the surface of the carrier 14 to such anextent that the edge 52 is still freely movable and can move beneath thelower free edge portion of the reinforcing abutment 56 when deflected bycontact with the rotating drum, or with an analogous element.

The wall portion 51 is convex in upstream direction. It may bereinforced by being made thicker than the opposite wall portion asillustrated for instance in FIG. 12, or it may be made of a materialhaving a greater shore hardness than the remainder of the material ofwhich the spreading element is made. In order to prevent furtherbellowing outwardly of the wall portion 51 when pressure develops in theinterior of the pressure chamber, and more particularly to prevent suchbellowing in the upper region near the juncture with the portion 53,FIG. 11 shows that an additional abutment 62 may be provided whichprevents such displacement or bellowing, so that only the lower portionof the wall portion 51 can belly out further in response to developmentof internal pressure in the space 61, whereby the angle a variesaccordingly as is illustrated in the different Figures. By decreasingthe angle, making it smaller, the quantity of flowable medium appliedcan be increased as to the quantity which is made to pass through theapplicator 5 or 5' onto the exposed surface of the carrier 14. Thisvariation of the angle can also be effected continuously as discussedbefore.

The embodiments in FIGS. 8-14 provide for an increased flexibility ofadjustment as to the elasticity and stability of the spreading element,over the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. On the other hand, all the advantagesof embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 are also provided in the embodiments ofFIGS. 8-14.

It will be appreciated that it is immaterial whether it is the conduit 2which is moved so as to move the abutting element towards and away fromthe exposed surface of the carrier 14, or whether for instance the worktable 17 on which the carrier 14 is disposed is raised or lowered withrespect to the conduit 2 and the spreading element, Either possibilitywill achieve the purposes and advantages which have been outlined withrespect to such adjustment, and means for carrying out such adjustmentare known in the art and require no detailed explanation to thoseconversant with this field. What is essential for purposes of thepresent invention is the mechanical adjustment by raising or loweringthe table 17 or by raising or lowering the conduit 2 carrying thespreading element, and thereby the adjustment of the pressure of thespreading element against the associated surface, in combination withthe variation in the cross-sectional configuration of the settingelement by varying the internal pressure, and also the possibility ofvarying the elasticity and stability of the spreading element bychanging the internal pressure, without having to shut down theapparatus, exchange components thereof, or the like.

It' will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together, may also find a useful application in other types ofconstructions differing from the types described 'above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in anapparatus for applying a flowable medium to a carrier, it is notintended to be limited to the details shown, since various modificationsand structural changes may be made without departing in any way from thespirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can by applying current knowledgereadily adapt it for variousapplications without omitting features that,from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this inventionand, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to becomprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended 11. In an apparatus for applying a flowablemedium to a carrier, in combination, carrier means having an exposedsurface; a supply arrangement for supplying a flowable medium to thevicinity of said exposed surface; applying means mounted proximal tosaid carrier means and having a contact face proximal to said ex posedsurface for spreading said flowable medium on the latter, said contactface including with said exposed surface an angle and at least one ofsaid means being mounted at least in part for travel with reference tothe other means, said applying means comprising an at least partiallyhollow tubular spreading element consisting at least partly ofelastically distendable material associated with said contact face, anda holder for said spreading element; and varying means for varying theangle included between said contact face and said exposed surface at thewill of an operator.

2. In an apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said applying meanscomprises a rotary drum permeable to said flowable medium mountedadjacent said carrier means and having an outer side proximal to saidexposed surface and an inner side onto which said flowable medium issupplied; and wherein said hollow spreading element is mounted withinsaid drum stationarily relative thereto, with said contact face engagingsaid inner side under pressure.

3. In an apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said varying meanscomprises a source of fluid under pressure, and admitting meanscommunicating with said source and the interior of said spreadingelement for admitting into the latter a quantity of such fluid requisitefor distending the material of said spreading element to a desiredextent.

4. In an apparatus as defined in claim 3, said admitting meanscomprising valve means for continuously varying the admittance of fluidto the interior of said spreading element, whereby to continuously varythe distending of the material of the same.

5. In an apparatus as defined in claim 3, said supply arrangementincluding a supply conduit extending into said drum axially of the same;and further comprising holding means arranged in said drum below saidsupply conduit for holding said spreading element in requisiterelationship with reference to said exposed surface.

6. In an apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said holding means inan elongated substantially U-shaped member having an open side, andwherein said spreading element comprises a distendable hose portionaccommodated in and extending longitudinally of said U- shaped member,and a substantially U-shaped channel portion of elastically distendablematerial embracing said hose portion and in part extending outwardlythrough said open side, said channel portion being provided with saidcontact face.

7. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said hose portion andsaid channel portion consist at least predominantly of elastomericmaterial.

8. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, said U- shaped member havingtwo lateral arms each extending axially of said drum, one of said armsbeing located upstream of the other arm with reference to the rotationof said drum; and wherein said channel member has a first lateral wallportion bonded to said one arm, a second lateral wall portion looselyabutting said other arm, and a bight wall portion provided with saidcontact face with the latter facing said exposed surface and includingtherewith a variable acute angle.

9. In an apparatus as defined in claim 8, said arms each having aninwardly directed side facing the interior of said U-shaped member; andwherein said first and. second lateral wall portions each engage theinwardly directed sides of the respective arms.

10. In an apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said contact face isinclined towards said exposed surface in direction from said one armtowards said other arm.

11. In an apparatus as defined in claim 10, said arms each having alongitudinally extending free marginal zone; and wherein said marginalzone of said other arm is closer to said exposed surface than saidmarginal zone of said one arm and includes with the remainder of saidother arm an obtuse angle in direction of rotation of said drum.

12. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, said U- shaped member havinga bight portion facing away from said open side and from said exposedsurface; and

wherein said hose portion is connected with said U- shaped member in theregion of said bight portion of the latter.

13. In an apparatus as defined in claim further comprising support meansengaging said supply conduit, holding means and spreading element in theregion of the opposite axial ends of said drum; and wherein said varyingmeans are operative for continuously varying the distance of said supplyconduit, holding means and spreading element from said exposed surfaceof said carrier means.

14. In an apparatus as defined in claim 13, said support meanscomprising at least two supports, and said varying means comprising atleast two varying arrangements each associated with one of said supportsand operable independently of the other varying arrangement.

15. In an apparatus as defined in claim 4; and further comprising apressure-indicating device operatively associated with said valve meansfor indicating the pressure of fluid prevailing in the interior of saidspreading element.

16. In an apparatus as defined in claim 8, said channel portion havingapressure-exerting contact edge at the juncture of said bight wallportion with said second lateral wall portion; and further comprising asubstantially L-shaped elongated reinforcing component for said contactedge exteriorly embracing said juncture and fast with said channelportion.

17. In an apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said reinforcingcomponent consists of sheet steel.

18. In an apparatus as defined in claim 8; and further comprising anelongated internal reinforcing component of substantially L-shapedcrosssection located interiorly of said channel portion.

19. In an apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein said internalreinforcing component is located within said hose portion.

20. In an apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein said internalreinforcing component is located intermediate and in contact with saidhose portion and said channel portion.

1. In an apparatus for applyiNg a flowable medium to a carrier, incombination, carrier means having an exposed surface; a supplyarrangement for supplying a flowable medium to the vicinity of saidexposed surface; applying means mounted proximal to said carrier meansand having a contact face proximal to said exposed surface for spreadingsaid flowable medium on the latter, said contact face including withsaid exposed surface an angle and at least one of said means beingmounted at least in part for travel with reference to the other means,said applying means comprising an at least partially hollow tubularspreading element consisting at least partly of elastically distendablematerial associated with said contact face, and a holder for saidspreading element; and varying means for varying the angle includedbetween said contact face and said exposed surface at the will of anoperator.
 2. In an apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein saidapplying means comprises a rotary drum permeable to said flowable mediummounted adjacent said carrier means and having an outer side proximal tosaid exposed surface and an inner side onto which said flowable mediumis supplied; and wherein said hollow spreading element is mounted withinsaid drum stationarily relative thereto, with said contact face engagingsaid inner side under pressure.
 3. In an apparatus as defined in claim2, wherein said varying means comprises a source of fluid underpressure, and admitting means communicating with said source and theinterior of said spreading element for admitting into the latter aquantity of such fluid requisite for distending the material of saidspreading element to a desired extent.
 4. In an apparatus as defined inclaim 3, said admitting means comprising valve means for continuouslyvarying the admittance of fluid to the interior of said spreadingelement, whereby to continuously vary the distending of the material ofthe same.
 5. In an apparatus as defined in claim 3, said supplyarrangement including a supply conduit extending into said drum axiallyof the same; and further comprising holding means arranged in said drumbelow said supply conduit for holding said spreading element inrequisite relationship with reference to said exposed surface.
 6. In anapparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said holding means in anelongated substantially U-shaped member having an open side, and whereinsaid spreading element comprises a distendable hose portion accommodatedin and extending longitudinally of said U-shaped member, and asubstantially U-shaped channel portion of elastically distendablematerial embracing said hose portion and in part extending outwardlythrough said open side, said channel portion being provided with saidcontact face.
 7. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein saidhose portion and said channel portion consist at least predominantly ofelastomeric material.
 8. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, saidU-shaped member having two lateral arms each extending axially of saiddrum, one of said arms being located upstream of the other arm withreference to the rotation of said drum; and wherein said channel memberhas a first lateral wall portion bonded to said one arm, a secondlateral wall portion loosely abutting said other arm, and a bight wallportion provided with said contact face with the latter facing saidexposed surface and including therewith a variable acute angle.
 9. In anapparatus as defined in claim 8, said arms each having an inwardlydirected side facing the interior of said U-shaped member; and whereinsaid first and second lateral wall portions each engage the inwardlydirected sides of the respective arms.
 10. In an apparatus as defined inclaim 8, wherein said contact face is inclined towards said exposedsurface in direction from said one arm towards said other arm.
 11. In anapparatus as defined in claim 10, said arms each having a longitudinallyextending free marginal zone; and wherein said marginal zone of saidother arm is closer to said exposed surface than said marginal zone ofsaid one arm and includes with the remainder of said other arm an obtuseangle in direction of rotation of said drum.
 12. In an apparatus asdefined in claim 6, said U-shaped member having a bight portion facingaway from said open side and from said exposed surface; and wherein saidhose portion is connected with said U-shaped member in the region ofsaid bight portion of the latter.
 13. In an apparatus as defined inclaim 5; further comprising support means engaging said supply conduit,holding means and spreading element in the region of the opposite axialends of said drum; and wherein said varying means are operative forcontinuously varying the distance of said supply conduit, holding meansand spreading element from said exposed surface of said carrier means.14. In an apparatus as defined in claim 13, said support meanscomprising at least two supports, and said varying means comprising atleast two varying arrangements each associated with one of said supportsand operable independently of the other varying arrangement.
 15. In anapparatus as defined in claim 4; and further comprising apressure-indicating device operatively associated with said valve meansfor indicating the pressure of fluid prevailing in the interior of saidspreading element.
 16. In an apparatus as defined in claim 8, saidchannel portion having a pressure-exerting contact edge at the junctureof said bight wall portion with said second lateral wall portion; andfurther comprising a substantially L-shaped elongated reinforcingcomponent for said contact edge exteriorly embracing said juncture andfast with said channel portion.
 17. In an apparatus as defined in claim16, wherein said reinforcing component consists of sheet steel.
 18. Inan apparatus as defined in claim 8; and further comprising an elongatedinternal reinforcing component of substantially L-shaped cross-sectionlocated interiorly of said channel portion.
 19. In an apparatus asdefined in claim 18, wherein said internal reinforcing component islocated within said hose portion.
 20. In an apparatus as defined inclaim 18, wherein said internal reinforcing component is locatedintermediate and in contact with said hose portion and said channelportion.